Cape Town - The Cheetahs have received a major boost with the news that Springboks Coenie Oosthuizen and Johan Goosen will be ready for their Super Rugby opener against the Sharks in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
According to the supersport.com website, prop Oosthuizen, who has been suffering with a back and neck injury, took part in live scrums last week and is set to start off the bench when coach Naka Drotské names his team in Wednesday.
Flyhalf Goosen, who was rested for their pre-season games due to a troublesome heel, will start against the Durbanites alongside No 9 Piet van Zyl.
Goosen and Van Zyl are likely to be joined in the backline by Robert Ebersohn and Johan Sadie, while Raymond Rhule, Willie le Roux and Hennie Daniller are likely to round out the back three.
The Cheetahs will have to wait on loose forward Heinrich Brüssow, who is still suffering from a shoulder injury. He is expected to be fit to travel with the team on their Australasian tour next week.
The clash at the Free State Stadium kicks off at 17:05 on Saturday.